'I was close': Broncos legend Darren Lockyer lifts the lid on almost signing with Sydney Roosters
Darren Lockyer has revealed he almost signed with the Sydney Roosters at the peak of his powers, before opting to stay put with the Broncos.
The legendary fullback and five-eighth, who dominated in both positions during his illustrious career, played all 355 of his first grade games with Brisbane.
However, there was a time where that might not have come to fruition.
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Speaking on Nine's Sunday Footy Show, the 48-year-old was asked by Andrew Johns whether he was close to leaving the Broncos at any stage of his career and with Brad Fittler sat beside him, Lockyer gave a surprising answer.
Darren Lockyer Nine
"Yeah - when he retired," Lockyer said, pointing at Fittler.
"They were obviously looking, I had just started playing six.
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"I was close, because I had just started playing five-eighth. I wouldn't say close, close, but I entertained the idea at the start for a little bit.
"As that progressed, I was being talked about as the next captain of the Broncos and I loved the Broncos as a kid, so I ended up staying."
Fittler finished his time at Bondi at the end of 2004 and there were media reports at the time that the Tricolours were looking at bringing Lockyer to the club.
Brad Fittler during his final season. Getty
That never eventuated and instead, the Roosters ended up signing Braith Anasta for the 2006 season and the rest is history.
Lockyer holds the games record at Red Hill to this day and remains firmly in discussions to become a future Immortal of the game.
He retired in 2011 as not only the most capped Broncos player, but also the leader for the Kangaroos (59) and in the top-three for State of Origin (36).
